The most disappointing aspect of this year's election has been the lack of competition for seats in the Legislature. Voter dissatisfaction can been seen in initiatives like Question 1 which would repeal the income tax, yet the vast majority of legislators statewide are once again running unopposed.
Rather than wasting time and effort putting forth candidates with little experience and no chance of success to run for higher office, Republicans need to cultivate those willing to start at ground level by taking on the Democratic establishment on Beacon Hill.
Ironically, but perhaps predictably, among the few contested seats this year are both of those held by Republicans.
State Reps. Brad Hill, R-Ipswich, and Bradley Jones, R-North Reading, the House minority leader whose district includes Middleton's Precinct 1, both deserve re-election.
Both are members of the moderate wing of the Republican Party who would rather spend their time rooting out waste and promoting efficiency in government than advancing the divisive social causes popular with the more conservative elements of the GOP. They are also savvy enough to realize that their minority status makes it imperative they work with their Democratic colleagues in order to get things done.
Since winning the special election to fill Doug Petersen's 8th Essex House seat last March, Rep. Lori Ehrlich, D-Marblehead, has proven an effective representative for the district.
Though her votes have pretty much mirrored that of the Democratic leadership, she has not been afraid to break with the party as happened during the budget debate last spring when she was among a handful of Democrats to join Republicans in a futile effort to allow amendments dealing with local aid.
Ehrlich spent many years as an environmental activist before deciding to run for office. It's a model — from grassroots organizer and agitator to officeholder — more Republicans might follow.
Now in her third term, Rep. Barbara L'Italien, D-Andover, whose 18th Essex District includes Boxford's Precinct 2, also deserves re-election. During her six years at the Statehouse she has been a particularly effective advocate for the public schools and children with special needs.
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